DIY Friday: Evil Eye Bracelet

Another DIY Friday! Unfortunately this one isn't an original, as I am on holidays at my family cottage. But, when I saw this do-it-yourself bracelet on Honestly...WTF I knew I had to share. You all know I have a serious love with the evil eye so this DIY caught my little eye immediately.  You'll also learn how to tie a handy knot!  For the full instructions, head on over to Honestly...WTF.

 You will need:

 The steps:

All photos from Honestly...WTF.

Designer Spotlight: Alexa Leigh

Known for her dainty hearts and signatures stars, jewelry designer Alexa Leigh, offers pretty necklaces, bracelets, and anklets for the minimalist and layer-loving crowd. Determined to enter a job that she loved, Alexa started her eponymous line and hasn't looked back. To learn more about how Alexa started her own company and what inspires her pretty jewels, read on! 

Let's start at the beginning. How did you get into jewelry design? Are you formally trained, self-taught, or some combination of the two?

I have no real formal training, but I love to draw so that has enabled me to design jewelry. I have always loved jewelry. Even though I would regularly go through my mother’s pieces when I was younger, it was always as if I was seeing them for the first time. I am a sucker for anything that sparkles. In high school I started making a lot of beaded jewelry, always saying I was going to sell them, but then liking them too much to part with. Funny enough, I still have everything I made then.  

What inspires your jewelry designs?

I think subconsciously I am constantly drawing inspiration from everything around me, but my designs are most affected by my mood and style at the time. I create jewelry I would want to wear myself. If I don't like it how can I expect anyone else to? 

Who would your dream client be? 

I would really love to have Alexa Chung as a client. I think she has impeccable taste and a great sense of style so I would be honored to have her wearing my jewelry.

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business? 

I love that I am constantly creating. I can get lost for hours designing new pieces. Running your own business, however, is a 24/7 job. Both the successes and the failures lie on my shoulders alone. 

If you could go back and give your 20 year old self some advice, what would it be? 

I wouldn't go back and tell myself anything. I believe everything happens for a reason. 

Ps - take a look at some of the fabulous bloggers who love Alexa Leigh! Sincerely Jules, The Glamourai, and Song of Style. *All photos from Alexa Leigh Facebook page - go to her page for more!*

Sale Alert: Gemma Redux

One of my all-time favorite designers is having a sale that was too good not to share. Gemma Redux is having her annual online sample sale. The sale started yesterday and new pieces will continue to be added until 8pm tomorrow.  Visit the Sale! The site was having a lot of issues when the sale first went live (due to high traffic), but now that it's a day into it, you should be fine :)

These items aren't guaranteed to be in the sale (they were the first day, but may have been snatched up!), but these photos will give you an idea of what beautiful pieces you could pick up for a steal! Happy shopping!

 *All photos from gemmaredux.com

One Piece, Three Ways: Summer Necklace

I found this bright beaded necklace for sale on Shopbop's website and couldn't help but think how versatile it would be for the summer. And at $29 it's quite the deal. Necklaces have been creeeping up closer and closer to choker length and this one is right on trend. Short, bright, and patterned, you'll be reaching for this summer necklace at the beach, for a barbeque, and on a boat cruise.  The necklace comes in three different colors and I've thrown together three different outfit ideas:

Beach:
Swimsuit: Splendid
Sandals: Boutique 9
Sweater: Velvet
Hat: ASOS

Barbeque:
Jeans: ASOS
Shirt: Union Jack ASOS tee 
Shoes: TOMS
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Boat Cruise:
Dress: Pencey Standard 
Sandals: ASOS
Hat: ASOS
Bag: Cynthia Vincent
Bracelets: ASOS + ASOS

Trend Spotting: Toothy Jewelry

Whether it's the vampire kind, the shark variety, or the full human tooth set you're looking for, I have you covered. This all started while I was trying to hunt down the gold shark tooth necklace that Kelly Ripa seems to wear daily on Live with Kelly. What started with a single tooth hunt ended with a more than a fist-full of teeth.

Would you ever wear a tooth? If so, which one is your favorite?

1. Toothed Band, Catbird
2. Shark Tooth Double Ring, Max & Chloe
3. Sabertooth Tiger Ring, Verameat
4. Shark Tooth Necklace, Max & Chloe
5. Vampire Crown, Verameat
6. Sterling Silver Shoshanna Shark Tooth Necklace, Vale
7. Real Shark Tooth Necklace, Catbird
8. Vampire Luck Necklace, Verameat
9. Slim Toothed Band, Catbird
10. 14K Sharktooth Necklace, Vale

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth helped launch JewelMint, so it should be no surprise that she's into jewelry in a big way. And she has the accessorizing style to prove it! Have a look at the photos below for some major jewelry inspiration from this blonde beauty.

All photos from StyleBistro

Kate's accessorizing rules:
1. Statement earrings are your best friend.
2. Vintage necklaces are your go-to for neck bling.
3. A cool statement ring is the best accessory when going for the minimalist look.

Which would you rather: For $735

Would you rather one, big ticket item or many items for the same price?

Your choice (if you choose to accept):

- one Diamond Filigree Necklace for $735

OR

- one Two-Headed Snake Ring
- one Ampersand Ring
- one Ojos Eye Cuff
- one Mini Bar Ring
- one pair of Gemma Redux earrings
- set of Marc by Marc Jacobs Jelly bracelets
for $736

Vote in the comments below! 

London Calling

Today I turn to two fabulous London jewelry houses for British inspired jewelry and jewelry for 2012 Olympic pride. Astely Clarke and Links of London both have Brithish and Olympic charms that are quirky and oh so relevant. A wellie boot charm? A union Jack dog tag? Get into the Olympic spirit with these fun British and Olympic inspired pieces.

1. 2012 Union Jack Ruthenium Dog Tag, Links of London
2. Jubilee Tea Cup Charm, Astley Clarke
3. You Drive Me Crazy Charm, Astley Clarke
4. 2012 Team GB Cord Bracelet, Links of London
5. 2012 Wreath Charm, Links of London 
6. 2012 Charm Bracelet, Links of London 
7. Give It Some Wellie Charm, Astley Clarke
8. My Cup Of Tea Charm, Astley Clarke
9. Sunshine Enamel Ring, Astley Clarke
10. 2012 Union Jack Pewter White Cord Bracelet, Links of London

Are you watching The Games in London? What's your favorite sport to watch?

Trend Spotting: First Knuckle Rings

I am loving all of the dainty knuckle rings I've been seeing on everyone from celebs to bloggers. I own one first knuckle ring - the Mr. Kate bow crown ring - and absolutely love it. I get so many compliments on it, I believe, because it's so unexpected. Now I have my eye on Catbird's first knuckle ring, a dainty alternative that can be worn everyday as part of my basic jewelry uniform. What do you think about first knuckle rings?

1. Free People, Sparkle Midi ring
2. Tobi, Kate Mid Knuckle ring
3. Catbird, First Knuckle Ring
4. Free People, Dion Ring
5. Mr. Kate, Bow Knuckle ring
6. Mr. Kate, Sif Knuckle ring
7. Mr. Kate, Screw Knuckle ring
8. Free People, Sterling Silver Midi Ring
9. Free People, Delray ring

Do or Don't: Jewelry at the Beach

Is jewelry with a bikini entirely editorial or perfectly practical? When you hit the beach or weekend at the cottage, do you remove all of your jewelry or pile it on for a stylish look?

When I am in a bikini I tend to shed my jewelry so that I can play in the water without fear of losing my pretty baubles. Also, funny tan lines, anyone? Tell me in the comments below what you do when you hit the beach!